The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life: Connecting Christ to Human Experience

by Jeremy Pierre

Our approach to counseling and personal ministry is often lopsided—we treat people as minds to be taught or problems to be fixed, moving too quickly toward applying biblical solutions without taking the time to love people well and understand their experiences and hurts. The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life provides a comprehensive view of how the heart works and how Christ redeems it. It is a model for helping the person in front of you better understand their tough experiences and who they are in light of who Jesus is. Pierre’s holistic view of counseling—shaped by his work as a counselor, pastor, and seminary professor—equips readers to help others understand how everyday beliefs, desires, and commitments shape how they respond to life’s biggest struggles, and how an active relationship of trust in God is the foundation for lifelong change.

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, School, Book Club

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2016

About the author

Jeremy Pierre, PhD, is Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling and Dean of Students at Southern Seminary. He is also a pastor at Clifton Baptist Church. He is coauthor of The Pastor and Counseling. He and his wife Sarah raise their five children in Louisville, Kentucky.

Reviews

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

«La dinámica del corazón en la vida cotidiana» es un tratamiento académicamente competente, profundo, sensible, pastoral, teológicamente sólido, y agradable de leer, sobre la causa y dinámica de la expresión humana ante las circunstancias y relaciones en la tierra.

Oro que todo creyente sea iluminado por el Espíritu de Dios para comprender las nociones básicas presentadas en este libro, siendo equipado para ayudar a otros a vivir el propósito para el que fue creado: amar a Dios con todo su ser y amar al prójimo como a sí mismo. Todo pastor, consejero, padre, amigo, creyente, psicólogo, sociólogo, psiquiatra, y toda persona abocada a orientar algún aspecto de la vivencia humana se beneficiará grandemente de leer esta obra.

Lee la reseña completa en Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I took my time with this one. Thankfully it picked up the pace around halfway through—it had a dry beginning. Although there were plenty of typos, it read unlike other counseling books and had a ton of practical questions and suggestions.

[Jacob Fulkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been absolutely formative in how I understand my own heart, the hearts of those around me, and the hearts of those seeking my help. Every Christian should read this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, compelling, and wise. I read this as a book study with a counselor friend, and we had much to unpack in the pages. Helped me understand myself and the people around me better.

[Nickolas Wingholt · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many counseling books aim at "getting to the heart" without really explaining the process for doing so. Pierre's book provides a great framework for how the heart operates and the best ways to engage with the heart in counseling and discipleship. Not flawless, but very, very good. 1st time read. 4/5.

[Caroline Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Ended up reading it in a matter of days for a deadline but thankful I’m reading it for a Sunday school class over the next few weeks to take more time with it. Pierre’s explanation of the Dynamic Heart has changed the way I understand the Lord, others, and myself. I’d recommend this to anyone that wants to care for others better.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an unfortunate reality that we tend to use certain words over and over again without thinking deeply about what they mean. Sometimes in ministry and church life, the word "heart" can be one of those phrases. Jeremy Pierre helps us think carefully and biblically about the complex reality of the human heart, and then develops a theology of human experience from this foundation. I found this book very helpful.

Reread in its entirety in Sep '25. Still holds up very well - I highly recommend this book.

[Alejandra Sura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro está excelente. Toca la naturaleza del ser humano de una forma muy bíblica, congruente y holística. Es una lectura obligatoria para cualquier consejero bíblico o psicólogo cristiano.

Preferencias personales: Tal vez en algunos momentos difícil de leer. No es un texto que fluye o que tengan un ritmo que en lo personal me agrade. Quizás sucede así por ser traducción. También siento que algunos temas se extendió un poco más de la cuenta, pero el contenido es tan bueno que se lo perdonamos 😀

[Bo Cogbill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wavered on whether to give this book 4 or 5 stars, so I gave it a 5 to boost the current 4.45 up a little closer to 4.5, where it probably belongs!

Pierre does a wonderful job delving into the complexities of the human heart and how it functions dynamically in our daily life, which is good, given that's the title. I love how he breaks down the multiperspectival approach as it relates to knowing God and ourselves such that we can glorify Him more and more in our life as we grow in sanctification (the goal of counseling).

First, I appreciate how he unpacks how the Bible uses the word heart over and against some of the ways our current culture has/does. He isn't condescending in how we have come to think/feel/use the word, but he does show the Scriptures paint a far more beautiful picture of what the heart is, how it is broken, how it is redeemed, and how it is being sanctified.

After laying out some of the expressions of the heart in those areas, Pierre moves into laying out the contexts in which the human heart functions by showing how our heart views/feels/responds to God, ourselves, and others in various circumstances.

And finally, he closes with a section on how to apply what he's discussed in the previous 9 chapters by laying out some grids for how to approach various malfunctionings of an individual's heart and how to help them reflect on their actions and be renewed by grace through faith that works. This is easily the most cumbersome chapter, and probably why I finished the book not quite as excited as I began it, but this may actually be the most helpful section for counselors and/or small groups to work through because it is so deeply practical.

If Calvin, riffing on Scripture, was right, and there is no knowledge of God without knowledge of self, and there is no true knowledge of self without knowing God as He's revealed Himself to be, Pierre's work masterfully helps the Christian in both regards.

It will stretch your brain and take some careful reading because it does blow up some categories, but what else would you expect from a book that delivers in expounding a dynamite heart? (Pun intended.)

[Bethany Monaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a more informative input rather than a set story. It is split into three different sections. As well as twelve chapters throughout the book. First, The Beauty of Human Experience: How the Heart Responds Dynamically. Then, The Context of Human Experience: What the Heart Dynamically Responds To. Lastly, Counseling from a Theology of Human Experience. It is going through each of the chapters, applying everything that we learn, and putting it into action. It had many applicable aspects to help our daily life with God. It talked about how a wholehearted, dynamic relationship with God, changes the way people respond to every other aspect of life. It covered many different areas/concepts that make others think about, if that is a life they really should be living. There are choices we can make that leave either a positive or negative impact on us. I personally like this structure of reading, rather than a set story with a setting and plot. These types are easier for me to follow along with, and talking from an individual standpoint, applying these concepts that I learn, to my own life. The section that I took the most away from was section one: The Beauty of Human Experience: How the Heart Responds Dynamically. This covered how the dynamic heart responds to different ideas. It talked about how the heart is corrupted and redeemed. I could relate with this because sometimes I don´t guard my heart, as well as I should. Overall, this book was very well written. People who believe in God or don´t can get something out of it. We need to make wise and thought out, decisions. If we don´t it could leave a detrimental effect on us.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate his strategy quite a bit, namely, coming humbly to the Scripture to see how how the Scripture speaks about the heart, in order to discern an approach to counseling. Yes and amen, we need more of this kind of approach and study in the realm of Christian Counseling (and less integration, at least until we understand better the Scripture, we're far too quick to run to the world and its ideas. We need to first understand the treasure that God has given us, and then we can better separate truth from garbage when looking at the world's ideas about counseling). However, I found his application of those ideas somewhat underwhelming. I would still recommend the book overall, though, if you are thinking about Christian Counseling Biblically.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic, but it's definitely not one you can skim. It's best consumed one chapter at a time, with plenty of time given afterward to think on what you've read.

While the concept of caring for the three-dimensional heart wasn't new to me, this book provided a great and timely refresher as to the why and how of heart care.

If you're involved in counseling, even in a layperson capacity, grab a copy of this book! You won't regret it.

[Spencer R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book that I will read more than once (and will write a fuller review though). It's unfortunate (and impressive?) just how many spelling mistakes are in this book, as the information is gold. Any teacher and pastor who wants to learn to craft their applications to fit the hearts of their congregants ought to read this book.

[Kendall Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Counselors must know scripture well enough to relate the heart of Christ to people’s experiences. Counselors need to know what God would say about the beliefs, values, and commitments of a person’s heart. This requires a sound hermeneutic and a loving familiarity with the Word.” (p. 206)

Really helpful reflection questions / prompts for counseling in the last few chapters. He’s pretty repetitive but the book was super helpful & challenging to me in a lot of ways

[Brenden Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful and theologically robust look at the human heart in the context of counseling!

Pierre leaves no stone unturned in his examination of how strip our idols in the prospect of biblical counseling.
Although I disagreed with some of his articulations of the doctrine of God at points, this is nonetheless is superb book.

[Amanda Bittner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 2 of 3 parts🤷🏻‍♀️
I was specifically helped in this read by Pierre’s breakdown of the human heart which includes: cognition (one’s thoughts), affection (one’s desires), and volition (one’s commitments). We are complex people and we can’t treat our heart’s problems one dimensionally because we aren’t one dimensional creatures. So good!

[Taehoon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Pierre does a fantastic job of explaining his dynamic heart model. This has helped me look at my heart critically and explore the ways that I function.

[Chase Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

All. about. the. heart. Pierre is a fantastic writer. Great resource for asking biblically centered questions in counseling. Read for his biblical counseling class

[Carter Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last four chapters worth the book

[Maggie Ardizzoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book for understanding how our experiences impact our sources of knowledge and sources of authority!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first semester of my freshman year of college, my world was turned upside down by an Introduction to Biblical Counseling class where for the first time I was exposed to the biblical understanding of the dynamic human heart - mind, emotions, will. I'll never forget it. Beliefs, values, responses, choices, desires in my life suddenly began to fit together. And through the administration of the Gospel by our qualified professor, my life began to change and I began to grow.

Jeremy Pierre's The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life has done this to me again. Pierre's careful articulation of the interworking dynamics of the heart have rocked my understanding at least to the same degree as that introductory class 14 years ago. The author has demonstrated a mastery in understanding the subject and in communicating this biblical understanding to the reader. I will be returning to this book and my 100's of highlights often.

My only criticism would be editorial - I noticed a handful of spelling and/or grammar mistakes throughout the book. With 14 reviews/recommendations included in the front of the book, you would think these errors would have been noticed prior to publishing.

I first heard Jeremy Pierre present this teaching at the Faith Biblical Counseling Conference in 2015. It's a joy to now have his teaching in this book.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful way of understanding the human heart and the fluid way it operates in relation to its context. Definitely compliments the other biblical counseling models of the human heart.

[Suzanne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life: Connecting Christ to Human Experience is a convicting personal read, as well as helpful in counseling others -- as all good counseling books should be.

In The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life, Jeremy Pierre seeks to help the reader see the that our hearts respond to life in a three-fold manner: cognitively (knowledge/beliefs), affectively (desires/emotions), and volitionally (choices/commitments). Rather than being a clinical analysis, this perspective helps us understand that we are "wholly spiritual persons". And Pierre is careful to say that while "...all problems are spiritual problems, I am not saying they are merely spiritual. People have bodies as well--bodies that function not as vehicles to an independent soul that drives it, but more like the canvas and paint embodying the ideas of an artist.... all human responses are by nature spiritual."

The premise of the book is well expressed in the introduction:

People are often only partially aware of the beliefs and values residing within them, and they will tend to read these beliefs and values into Scripture. People must become more willing to listen to God's voice for what it actually is rather than what they want it to be. As Scripture is thus received in the heart, God's revelation shapes people's thoughts, feelings, and choices.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section deals with how the heart responds dynamically. This includes a careful look at what the heart was designed for, how it was corrupted and redeemed, and how it is affected by its context. The second section deals with what the heart dynamically responds to. This section examines four facets of influence upon the heart. The last section deals brings us to nuts and bolts of counseling from this biblical paradigm.

I found The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life to present a strong, biblical perspective on common struggles, along with very practical helps in working through these struggles. It's not a quick read, but worthy of chewing on as you go. This book will be helpful for pastors, counselors, and believers who simply want to work out their own salvation (Phil 2:12) and walk side-by-side with others in this same pursuit.

[Edy Gies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a Bible study group at church. I appreciated the author's insights into the issues that we face and knowing that there is more that "just do it" or "stop it" when we are counseling people. He writes about and provides insightful questions to ask that reach into the heart, the mind, and the will. I would highly recommend this book especially to those who work in ministry leadership, particularity those who may not have formal pastoral training (e.g. youth workers, Sunday school teachers).

[Guillermo Jiménez · Rating 5 out of 5]

En el fondo, cada creyente a la vez que está llamado a hacer discípulos en las naciones, debe ser también un consejero que debe preparase para guíar en las escrituras a otro para conectar su fe con las experiencias. Y es por eso que veo en este libro un excelente recurso para cualquiera que se tome en serio el evangelio pueda comprender mejor como la dinámica del corazón y las forma en que respondemos a la realidad de este mundo debe ser reorientada hacia los propósitos de Dios.

[Israel Villavicencio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro para entender la maneras en que el corazón del ser humano actúa y cómo la Palabra de Dios da claridad a la vida.
Una herramienta necesaria para cualquier consejero bíblico que desea llevar a las personas a la persona de Cristo.
Lo recomiendo.

[Theron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say I am not necessarily a big fan of books turned into movies. However, there are exceptions. When a movie is able to bring a character to life from a book I am more inclined to watch. Characters have to be more than one-dimensional. The same can be said in describing a biblical view of the heart. Many use the term heart, even within Christian circles, in a one-dimensional manner. They may inquire the confusing question, “Have you asked Jesus into your heart?” They may speak of the heart as the inner person. Yet, while the biblical view of the heart speaks of the inner person, to stop there in the description is to miss the complex nature of the heart. What we need is a multidimensional understanding of the heart. Pastor and Professor Jeremy Pierre gives us such a gift in his new book, The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life: Connecting Christ to Human Experience.

Written from a pastoral heart, Pierre sets out “to equip counselors, pastors, caretakers, or anyone else interested in helping people with a framework to understand human experience theologically—that is, as God designed it” (Pierre 9). The book is divided into three sections. Section 1 (chapters 1–5) covers how the heart dynamically responds, providing a three-dimensional biblical framework of the dynamic heart, the cognitive, affective, and volitional components. Section 2 (chapters 6–9) moves into examining what the heart dynamically responding to, observing the areas of God, self, others, and circumstances. Section 3 (chapters 10–13) brings the first two sections together to lay out a methodology for counseling, involving reading, reflecting, relating, and renewing.

This work by Dr. Jeremy Pierre fulfills its goal “to give a theological vision of how faith in Christ restores the dynamic human heart and a practical vision of how to help people join in on the process” (Pierre 5). The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life weaves biblical content into practical living contexts. Pierre equips counselors, pastors, and caretakers by clearly explaining the points he makes, by taking seriously the complexity of the subject, and by teaching a comprehensive understanding of the heart. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for any Christian who desires to be equipped in caring and counseling by grasping the complexities of the dynamic heart.

I received this book for free from New Growth Press via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to read this book a while back, but put it down because it felt overly technical and not in tune with true counseling. Boy was I wrong! Pierre has written a masterful book on counseling. He focuses on the upstream conversations. he gives a framework for understanding the heart and its dominant tri fold functions presented in Scripture: the volition, cognition, and emotion. Another way to put it is choosing, thinking, and desiring.

One thing I enjoyed about this book is the due emphasis Pierre gives to shaping influences in life. People, circumstances and worldly influences can all shape the dynamic heart from the outside. In the biblical counseling movement, emphasis often lies on the heart’s response to these outside factors (as it should be), but oftentimes these influences are downplayed as if they matter little. Granted, the human person still has an active role in responding to these outside influences, but Pierre seems to note that these influences truly shape the human person.

Many things I felt intrinsically were articulated extremely well by Pierre. For example, that people are shaped by those around them is something I see every day. What a person views as cool or inspiring, they often emulate. We become like what we highly esteem. No doubt, this is hardwired into us, and Christians ultimate aim is to become more like Christ, the one we should most highly esteem. But other people can, unbeknownst to us, take the place of Christ on the throne of our heart.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christians often find themselves in situations where they are called upon to listen to someone's problem or issue & then make comment, give advice or offer counsel. This may be a one time situation or maybe one that lasts several months. There are a large number of books written for those engaging in this kind of ministry, which is what one is doing, they are ministering to the one seeking advice. Of the large number of books available this one "The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life" is excellent. I would place it's usefulness in my top 5.
It will greatly increase your understanding of the complex human heart from a biblical perspective. This is of utmost importance as most have an understanding that has been shaped by the unbelieving world & psychological ideas rooted in a non-Christian, maybe we should say, anti-Christian view of human existence & living.
This book is also extremely helpful pragmatically.
You will not be disappointed.

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Very helpful- good for any view of biblical counseling. This explanation is theologically biblical and scripturally founded, while being balanced and nuanced as our Creator had created us to be and as we experience the world and relate to him and one another. Both talking about what is happening with the heart and how to practically address it and point to Christ for change!

5/5 🌟

1st read: 5/22-6/1/24 as a prep for Dr Neimeyer’s Topics in Missions: Biblical Counseling in Missions